I have done both. Travel agent tried 4 times, answer was always "waiting for LA to reply. Eventually on Thursday Travel agent rang to say no problem they had been told eventually that I could have my luggage during the Hotel stay. Friday this changed again to "no I cannot take my luggage". They have communicated through my TA. Letter and phone call remain un-answered. The office at Southampton refer all questions to LA, I think by pigeon post. This is our 12th cruise in the past decade but only the second with Princess, and the first left a lot to be desired. RCI and Celebrity seem better organised.

Not saying it will but you may find the practice differs in Beijing. It did some years ago when I was there. .... Neil